State makes steps for health and long term care
By State Senator Andrea F. Nuciforo, Jr. (D-Pittsfield)
As the Senate prepares to debate the annual state budget, I am pleased to inform readers that we remain committed to championing health care issues that are critical to senior citizens throughout the Commonwealth. Likewise, the Legislature recently passed a comprehensive plan for health care reform that will dramatically increase the number of insured residents of all ages in Massachusetts.
Regarding long-term care, I have strongly supported opportunities for seniors to receive care in the environment of their choice, whether that care is provided in a traditional nursing setting or at an individual’s home. Serving as Senate Chairman of the Financial Services Committee and Vice-Chairman of the Elder Affairs Committee, I have been keenly aware of the impact that community-based care and insurance coverage have on the quality of life for individuals and their families. Recently, the Senate voted unanimously to pass Senate Bill 2285, an important step toward providing greater choice and autonomy to state residents when choosing long-term care insurance. The bill establishes additional standards and protections for long-term insurance consumers, including a 30-day “free look” period for policy holders, and a prohibition on canceling policies because of the age or declining health of the insured individual. Furthermore, the Equal Choice Bill (Senate Bill 2273) that I supported provides residents with the option to choose where they will receive care, should they require long-term services.
Allowing seniors to receive care in an environment of their preference is essential to enriching their daily lives. The ability to choose the setting in which to receive health care provides individuals with a sense of independence and dignity. It is also fiscally prudent, as home care services are less expensive than nursing home services. In fact, annual nursing home costs per resident are approximately $55,000, while the annual home-based care costs per resident are approximately $28,000. Elderly individuals who are capable of being cared for through home or community-based services should be allowed such a choice and be given options to take that route.
The bills mentioned above are just a few measures that provide a promising start to a process that I envision for the future of long-term care — one that focuses upon and integrates an individual’s choice in the type of setting in which he or she receives health care.
As you may know, the Legislature recently passed groundbreaking health care reform that will expand meaningful health care access and insurance to 95 percent of the Commonwealth’s residents within the next three years. Perhaps most important, the bill establishes a program to assist low-income families and adults in purchasing insurance with no annual deductibles or monthly premiums. In producing this innovative reform to the health care system, the first of its kind in all 50 states, the Legislature is helping to provide quality life and health care services to all the Commonwealth’s residents, especially seniors. I am also confident that the Senate and the House will remain steadfast in its commitment to providing avenues of choice for the state’s senior citizens.
Ed. Note: This will be the last column from State Senator Andrea F. Nuciforo, Jr. since he will not be running for re-election in November.
